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Grand Canyon: readers' tips

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Witness the dramatic transformation of theÂ Grand Canyon at sunrise

14 April 2013 • 12:00am

This week's winning tip

White Water

The only way to get to know the Canyon properly is to explore it by joining a rafting trip and follow the route of the pioneers. All outfitters are licensed by the Grand Canyon National Park Service and the trip is rugged but safe.

There are some amazing side hikes through wonderful small canyons, as well as archaeological sites to explore.You can follow small creeks such as Tapeats, Deer Creek and Havasu, and some of the rapids themselves are truly awesome. It’s hard to beat the solitude, the stars at night, and the light of the moon shining off the canyon wall.

It is a privilege to be in this special place. Research before you go – get a river map and read the history of the pioneers and earlier American Indian residents. Learn about the geology, the wildlife and the plant life to truly appreciate your trip. Tricia Webb, London

More feedback from readers

Abandon the car

One way of travelling to the Grand Canyon is to leave the car in the town of Williams before catching the Grand Canyon Railway direct to the South Rim, which takes just over two hours. Beforehand, stay at the Railway Hotel in Williams which has a good bar, a separate restaurant and an extensive gift shop. The train has various carriage classes and a steam train runs on selected dates.

Your first glimpse of the Canyon comes just before you arrive at the Grand Canyon Railway Station, and once you have alighted it is only a short walk past the El Tovar Hotel to witness the wonderful view. Various lodgings are available, though for comfy rooms and excellent food and service, the El Tovar is a treat. And there is a mock hold-up by “robbers” on the train’s return journey.Ali Rickford, Dorset

Fly from Vegas

To get the best out of a visit to the Grand Canyon, try to get a flight from Las Vegas; many actually go from Boulder City airport, which is a good bus ride from Boulder City itself, plus a wait at the airport.

The trips which offer a ride along the Colorado are worth doing, but the Skywalk isn’t as exciting as it looks. If you have the money, try staying in a hotel at the Canyon edge and watch the sun rise over this magnificent scene. Wendy Lewis, Taunton

Ride into the past

We went to the Grand Canyon by train from Los Angeles to Flagstaff (a ride into the Forties) and then caught the local bus across a flat, featureless landscape. On arrival, walk through Bright Angel Lodge and out across its patio. Suddenly, the Grand Canyon yawns at your feet. Norman Sherry, West Sussex

Stay the Night

Camping rates are very reasonable in the park and you can take in the spectacular sunset and sunrise. You might also encounter some of the local wildlife residents.

Also, do a hike below the rim. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this spectacle. I did the three-mile hike down the Bright Angel trail wearing a baby carrier. If you’re not a regular outdoorsy type, camping and hiking gear are available to rent at the park’s general stores for a fraction of the purchase price. Ronan Stapleton, Stafford

Be prepared to pay

Whatever you do, don’t skimp; this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and, because you are unlikely to come back, make sure your memories are the best they can be.

Not being down-the-canyon hiking types in mid-July, we paid for the best – a tour with Maverick Helicopters. On a three-week family tour of the United States, we planned this to be the highlight of our whole trip – and it was. From the air, you see the full depth and span of the canyon and all its colours and layers. Your guide gives you the history and geography but you just drink in the landscape in all its grandeur.

Stay in accommodation at the canyon itself, but book a year in advance. At Maswik Lodge, spread across a pine forest, deer roam freely and you can get up at sunrise to take photos. Eat at El Tovar – excellent food; stay there if you can afford it. Liz Kolbeck, Manchester

Take your time

Don’t miss Havasu Canyon, and don’t rush this little gem. Book a two-night stay at Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs – a lovely place, ideal for a trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and only a 65-mile dirt-road drive from Hualapai Hilltop.

From the hilltop, hike the 8.5 miles into Havasu Canyon, which takes about three or four hours. You really need to savour this magical place, so arrange to explore it by horse, which will give you more time to enjoy the canyon’s enchanting creek, waterfalls and travertine pools. It’s certainly one to see if you are interested in American Indian history. Naomi Friend, East Sussex

Take a sunset flight

Flying by helicopter to the Grand Canyon from Vegas is the only way to catch the stunning palette of oranges, navy blues, pinks and mauves produced by the disappearing sun and the advancing shadows.

Swing over the Hoover Dam on your way; you will want to dive into the sparkling water of the lakes below and immerse yourself in the true wonder and vastness of the Grand Canyon, where human beings are but small specks in a giant landscape. Vivienne Millward, Oxfordshire

Drive to the South Rim Drive

If visiting from Las Vegas it is well worth the long drive to the South Rim. The views are magnificent and there are good walking paths along the way if you just want to take a gentle stroll.

There is an excellent visitor centre and a restaurant overlooking the canyon rim at Bright Angel Point where you can take a welcome break for lunch.

The food is typically American and very tasty; portions are large, the staff very friendly and if you have no room for dessert you can always order it to take away – a lovely little treat to eat on your way back to the bright lights of Vegas.

If you don’t wish to drive yourself, take a Pink Jeep tour; the driving is done for you while you sit back and take in the views. These can easily be booked through your travel agent. Janice Skelton, Cheshire

Picnic on the edge

We visited the Grand Canyon last September on a Travelsphere Best of US National Parks holiday, and it was one of the highlights of a memorable trip. Do take a helicopter ride in the early morning (when the air is clearer) to get a better sense of the scale of the canyon; it’s expensive but you will regret it if you don’t.

The real highlight, though, was a picnic sitting on the South Rim; hard to beat as a picnic site. Buy whatever you want from one of the reasonably priced food stores and sit on the simple wooden benches dotted along the rim.

There were no crowds; birds of prey soared lazily across the canyon; and the view was superb. It was everything I had hoped the Grand Canyon would be.Jennifer Briggs, Pembrokeshire

Take a coffee break

For a great coffee, go to Bright Angel Bicycles and Café next to the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center – it’s good to wash away the dust and reflect on the stupendous scale of the canyon. This is one of the most impressive places on Earth, and visitor numbers in peak season reflect that. Restaurants will be packed, so take your own snacks. Rod Cornaby, East Sussex

Don't forget binoculars

Make sure you take a reliable pair. That way, it is much easier to see the beautiful rock formations over on the opposite rim of the canyon. Hazel Colby, Kettering

Follow these tips

My top tip is to make sure you bring plenty of water to drink and some spare batteries for your camera. This is the most amazing place you will ever see, so you will be surprised how many photographs you take and how quickly your battery drains.

Check what time of year you are travelling, as our trip coincided with St Patrick’s Day, spring break and the national basketball tournament, so it was busy.

Pre-book a tour; there are loads around and most will pick you up and drop you back to your hotel. Tipping is a must so make sure you take some cash. Some companies will ask you to pay for petrol; we had to pay $10 each.

Take a good rucksack, as a bag on your shoulder is not the best thing to carry on the canyon, and having a backpack will keep your hands free to explore more.

If you can afford it, take a helicopter ride over the canyon – these are said to be wonderful. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see the canyon in all its glory. Katie Bennett, Plymouth

What to avoid

Leaving it too late

Make sure you book your pitch early. We are a family of seven, so rented an RV to visit the Grand Canyon. It had to be North Rim as this is much quieter than South Rim.

We stayed at the North Rim Campground and booked our pitch on the opening day of reservations – six months before our visit. This is highly advisable as the good pitches go within minutes.

Do not miss a walk down into the canyon, but take an early hike; we started at 7am, as it gets extremely hot in August. And make sure you go to the delicious “cookout” too.

We booked all activities at the North Rim Lodge on arrival – an alternative, more expensive but stunning choice of accommodation. Karen Crawford, Surrey

A low-tech camera

Whatever you do, take a camera (even if it’s a disposable one) with a panoramic function, and know how to use it. Annie Storie, Ross-shire

Uncomfortable shoes

Make sure you dress in sensible clothes and wear good comfy shoes with ankle support, as you will want to walk short distances to get the best angle for your photographs.

Talking of photos, you will take plenty – just keep snapping and edit when you return home. If you have time, go for a ride in a helicopter and you will see the canyon from a totally different perspective.Christine Westlake, Devon

Competition

Great lakeside holidays

Do you have tips, advice or observations on how best to enjoy a trip to lakes at home and abroad – be they describing the best way to explore them, recommending places to stay or eat nearby, and, perhaps, suggesting some of the lesser known ones? If so, we would like to hear from you. A selection of your submissions will be published in Discover and on our website. The sender of the best entry will win a two-night stay for two at the Metropolitan Hotel by COMO in London, courtesy of COMO hotels, comohotels.com.

The Prize

Two nights’ b & b for two at the Metropolitan Hotel in London with a COMO Shambala massage included. The prize, based on two sharing, must be taken before October 31 2013, and is strictly subject to availability.

The metropolitan BY COMO hotel, London

A cool and contemporary retreat set in the heart of London’s vibrant Park Lane, the Metropolitan by COMO combines sophisticated design and exemplary service with an ideal central setting, close to the famous Knightsbridge and Mayfair neighbourhoods.

The stylish and comfortable rooms and suites are designed in calm and soothing aubergine, cream and white, with some overlooking London’s green heart, Hyde Park. The Metropolitan is home to the iconic Michelin-starred Nobu, with its innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and the sophisticated Met Bar for excellent cocktails and Champagne. The hotel is also home to one of London’s best spas, the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, which offers a full range of holistic treatments, providing a respite from urban living; comohotels.com.

Submissions

Email your tips and recommendations (no longer than 150 words, please) on great lakeside holidays, with contact details for recommendations where relevant, together with your name, address and phone number by midday on Wednesday April 17, 2013, to yoursay@telegraph.co.uk, or post them on our website at telegraph.co.uk/yourtravels.